Appetites of the Mind

Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. Colossians 3:2

Our minds have an appetite – for stimulation. The parallels to our body’s appetite for food are interesting.

If I never tasted chocolate ice cream, I would not have an appetite for it. There was a time when I craved chocolate ice cream. As I grew older, I had to give it up (or buy new pants).

It took a while for me to lose my craving, but with discipline, it eventually went away.

Furthermore, developing an appetite for healthy food is difficult for some. It takes time (and discipline), but eventually our bodies begin to appreciate broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, etc.

Our mind functions in much the same way. Somethings we think about are poisonous (like artificial sweeteners are to our bodies). Other things take up attention that should be directed elsewhere.

Developing new interests requires discipline – particularly when replacing those that we have had for a long time. It is nothing short of transformation by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). It depends on the work of the Holy Spirit – our Transformer (2Corinthians 3:18).

Here is one example:

I used to enjoy listening to sports talk radio. Every time I got in my truck, that is what I would turn on. My mind had quite an appetite for sports news.

Some time ago – perhaps a year or so – I began listening to sermon podcasts when driving to meetings. Now, that is what I naturally turn to. My appetites have changed.

I know what you’re thinking: Who wants to listen to sermons all the time? That’s what my mind used to tell me, too. It took a while – and some discipline – but all things are possible through Christ Jesus.

It is important to recognize that we are in process. I still listen to sports talk radio – like I eat chocolate ice cream: Rarely and in the Lord’s moderation.

So, in the event that you too would like to change your mental appetite, here are some of the greatest sermons from the last 100 years (found on sermonindex.net).